TABLE OF CONTENTS
Keeping a bill of materials accurate gets harder when every design change means updating spreadsheets and emailing suppliers. In a 2024 Manufacturing Leadership Council survey, 70% of manufacturers still entered data into spreadsheets manually. For hardware teams, one missed update can mean ordering the wrong part or building to the wrong revision. OpenBOM is one of the best-known tools built to fix that, giving hardware teams a cloud-based BOM that engineering, sourcing, and production can share. But it isn’t the right fit for every team.
If you’re considering OpenBOM, look beyond parts lists. You’ll want to know how it handles design changes, integrations, and supplier collaboration.
This OpenBOM review covers the platform’s features, pricing, advantages, and limitations. We’ll also compare seven alternatives to help you find a product lifecycle management solution that fits how your team designs and builds products.
Key Takeaways
- OpenBOM connects reusable part catalogs with assembly BOMs, helping teams manage quantities, revisions, and supplier information without maintaining separate spreadsheets.
- OpenBOM’s capabilities depend on the subscription. Formal ECO workflows require higher-tier plans, while CAD add-ons and ERP integrations can increase the total cost.
- The alternatives serve different needs. Onshape combines CAD and PDM, Arena connects PLM with quality management, and enterprise platforms support broader lifecycle processes.
- Duro brings BOMs, native CAD and ECAD integrations, structured ECO approvals, and live sourcing information into one platform for hardware teams.
Best OpenBOM Alternatives: Quick Review
OpenBOM works well for some teams, but it is not the right fit for every hardware workflow. We selected these alternatives based on their published BOM capabilities, change controls, integrations, and fit for different hardware teams.
We also considered G2 feedback on usability, support, and implementation. This comparison is based on published information and user feedback, not hands-on testing, and the “best for” labels reflect specific use cases rather than an overall ranking.
OpenBOM alternative | Best for | Key features | G2 rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Duro | ECO governance and live sourcing insights for hardware teams | Native CAD/ECAD integrations; ECO approvals; part enrichment; cost and lead-time rollups | 4.2/5 |
Aras Innovator | Complex, configurable PLM workflows across large organizations | Extensible data model; low-code development; composable applications; change workflows | 4.4/5 |
Arena PLM & QMS | Integrated PLM and quality management in regulated industries | Controlled product records; quality processes; change approvals; supplier collaboration | 4.2/5 |
Autodesk Fusion Manage | Connecting Autodesk design tools with configurable PLM workflows | Multi-level BOMs; configurable approvals; design data connections; product development tracking | 4.3/5 |
Onshape | Cloud-native CAD collaboration and built-in PDM | Browser-based CAD; design history; simultaneous collaboration; branching and merging | 4.7/5 |
Teamcenter | Enterprise PLM across complex global product lifecycles | Centralized product data; multidomain BOMs; lifecycle traceability; engineering change management | 4.3/5 |
Windchill | Enterprise product governance across complex manufacturing operations | Enterprise BOMs; configuration control; multi-CAD data management; manufacturing process planning | 4.1/5 |
Understanding OpenBOM Software
OpenBOM is cloud-based BOM management and PLM software for engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams. It connects individual part records with the assemblies that use them, giving teams a central place to manage product information instead of relying on separate spreadsheets.
Its data structure separates item catalogs from bills of materials. Catalogs hold reusable part information, such as descriptions, costs, and supplier details, while BOMs define how those parts fit into a product and in what quantities. Because catalog items can be reused across multiple assemblies, teams do not need to recreate the same part record for every BOM.
When comparing BOM management tools, consider how that shared information reaches the people who need it. OpenBOM lets colleagues and suppliers collaborate on product data, with CAD integrations connecting design information to BOM records.
That flexibility can work well for teams focused on BOM collaboration, but OpenBOM may require more process setup and team discipline as workflows become more complex. The sections below examine its capabilities and limitations to help you assess whether it fits your team’s workflow.
Features of OpenBOM
OpenBOM’s core features help your team organize product data, connect design tools, and track changes across assemblies:
- BOM management: Organizes assemblies into single-level, multi-level, and flattened BOM views. Your team can examine subassemblies or see total component quantities across a product. Its BOM management tools also support simultaneous editing and sharing with colleagues, suppliers, and contractors.
- CAD integrations: Transfers BOM and part data from design tools such as SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Fusion, Onshape, and Altium Designer. These CAD integrations reduce the need to retype design information, although supported files and synchronization options vary by application.
- Item management: Maintains reusable part records containing part numbers, descriptions, costs, supplier details, and supporting documents. Its item catalogs let your team reference the same record across multiple BOMs, reducing duplicate entries and repeated updates.
- Revision control: Preserves snapshots of items and BOMs while retaining earlier revisions and change history. Revision controls help your team review previous product configurations and distinguish recorded revisions from ongoing edits.
- Pricing options: Offers Professional Team, Company, and Enterprise subscriptions. With annual billing, Professional Team starts at $30 per seat per month and Company at $90; Enterprise pricing requires a quote. CAD add-ons and higher data volumes cost extra. A 14-day trial, unlimited free read-only users, and free non-commercial plans for qualified users are also available.
What Do OpenBOM Reviews Say About the Platform?
According to G2 reviews, OpenBOM can reduce manual BOM and file management, particularly for teams using SolidWorks. Users also raise concerns about performance, navigation, and upload visibility. Here are some of the main points to consider:
- Lightweight change management: OpenBOM records change history and lets teams save revisions. However, formal change requests, ECOs, and approval workflows require a Company or Enterprise subscription, leaving the Professional Team plan with lighter change controls.
- Speed: Automated background uploads can save time spent tracking SolidWorks files. However, large simultaneous uploads may lag, and the file monitor doesn’t provide a progress bar or completion percentage.
- Limited scalability: Large, complex BOMs and extensive revision histories may produce slower response times. If your products contain many parts and subassemblies, test representative BOMs during the trial to see how the platform handles them.
- Limited inventory and ERP focus: OpenBOM includes inventory tracking, RFQs, and purchase orders, but it isn’t a full ERP system. ERP integrations are priced separately, so you’ll need to confirm which product, supplier, and purchasing records can move between systems.
- Customer support: Some users report quick, useful responses when technical issues arise. However, public reviews don’t confirm guaranteed response times, so teams that need ongoing implementation help should review the support included with each plan.
Best OpenBOM Alternatives
OpenBOM may work well for some teams, but others may need stronger change controls, broader integrations, or support for more complex product workflows. The alternatives below take different approaches to BOM management, product data, and engineering changes.
As you compare them, consider your product complexity, existing tools, collaboration needs, and how well each platform can support your team as it grows.
1. Duro: Best for ECO Governance and Live Supply Chain Insights Without Enterprise Setup Complexity
Duro is an AI-native, cloud-based PLM platform built for hardware companies developing electromechanical products. It brings BOMs, part data, revisions, documents, and change records into a centralized, database-driven environment.
Native MCAD and ECAD integrations connect design data with sourcing information and manufacturing workflows. As engineers publish changes, teams can work from the same product records instead of reconciling updates across CAD tools, spreadsheets, and separate business systems.
Out-of-the-box integrations with ERP, MES, and execution tools such as NetSuite, SAP, Epsilon3, ION, Jira, and Slack extend that product data into procurement and manufacturing. Its open GraphQL API and configurable workflows also let teams connect internal systems, automate data transfers, and build validation rules without relying heavily on custom consulting.
Duro also provides structured ECO governance through predefined review and approval workflows. Teams can compare revisions, document decisions, and maintain an audit trail from the proposed change through release.
Why choose Duro over OpenBOM:
- Native CAD and ECAD integrations: Synchronizes product data from tools such as SolidWorks, Onshape, Siemens NX, and Altium with Duro’s centralized product records.
- Automated part data enrichment: Adds available datasheets, specifications, thumbnails, distributor part numbers, price breaks, and lead times to part records.
- Structured ECO governance: Routes change orders through defined review and approval workflows while recording revisions, decisions, and release history.
- Automated spreadsheet imports: Converts existing spreadsheet data into structured product records, reducing manual entry and the risk of copying incorrect information.
- Intelligent cost and lead-time rollups: Calculates costs and lead times across multi-level BOMs while distributor integrations provide current sourcing data.
- Rapid onboarding and training: Combines cloud deployment with established hardware workflows and training, helping teams start without a lengthy enterprise implementation.
- Ongoing customer support: Provides support documentation, regular training, and direct assistance with questions or technical issues after implementation.
User testimonial:
“Duro integrates with all of our software and has been our one-stop for PLM and PDM. The thoroughness of the online tutorials and guides is only outmatched by the support team that’s only an email away.” – User review.
Get started with a demo to see how Duro can help you better manage your BOMs.
2. Aras Innovator: Best for complex, configurable PLM workflows across large organizations
Aras Innovator is a low-code PLM and digital thread platform designed for organizations with complex products and business processes. Its extensible data model connects product structures, documents, requirements, and change records across the lifecycle.
The platform includes prebuilt applications and reusable components that teams can adapt to their processes. This configurability may suit large organizations with specialized requirements, although implementation and administration can require more technical resources than a lighter BOM-focused platform.
Key features:
- Extensible product data model: Centralizes product definitions and maintains consistent relationships between parts, documents, requirements, and lifecycle records.
- Composable applications: Provides prebuilt PLM applications and reusable components that teams can extend for specialized processes.
- Low-code development: Uses visual tools and reusable modules to configure applications, interfaces, and business rules with less custom coding.
- Engineering change management: Routes change requests through defined reviews, approvals, and lifecycle states while preserving the history behind each decision.
User testimonial:
“Innovator should stay up-to-date with the market quality requirements of their standard offering of modules. They should not only offer good software, but also ensure that the basics are up to the minimum expectation (e.g., FMEA module)” – User review
3. Arena PLM & QMS: Best for integrated PLM and quality management in regulated industries
Arena combines a quality management system (QMS) with a complete PLM solution. Its cloud-based applications enable end-to-end visibility and control over the quality process and your product lifecycle management.
Arena has a steeper learning curve than other platforms and typically takes longer to implement and understand. It offers a wide variety of add-on features, allowing you to tailor it to your needs. However, the total cost of ownership may be higher because you pay for integration and customization services.
Key features:
- Centralized product records: Organizes BOMs, items, specifications, drawings, and related documents within a controlled product record.
- Integrated quality processes: Connects product data with corrective and preventive actions, nonconformances, complaints, audits, and other quality records.
- Structured change management: Routes engineering changes through defined review and approval workflows while maintaining a traceable change history.
- Controlled supplier collaboration: Gives approved suppliers and contract manufacturers access to relevant product information without relying on emailed files.
User testimonial:
“Sometimes I find it hard to find records or documents if I don’t know their exact item or record number. The search requires you to know the exact name of something you’re looking for, which I found hard to navigate when I started using Arena.” – User review
4. Autodesk Fusion Manage: Best for connecting Autodesk design tools with configurable PLM workflows
Autodesk Fusion Manage is a cloud-based PLM platform that connects product data, people, and processes through configurable workflows. Teams can use it to manage BOMs, engineering changes, quality records, supplier data, and new product introduction.
Fusion Manage may suit teams already using Autodesk Fusion, Inventor, or Vault. Its configurable workflows can connect design data with downstream processes, though mixed-CAD teams should verify integration support. Implementation may also require additional configuration, migration, and training.
Key features:
- Centralized BOM management: Organizes multi-level BOMs, approved manufacturer lists, and product records within a shared cloud environment.
- Configurable change management: Routes change requests and orders through defined reviews, approvals, and lifecycle states.
- Connected design data: Links product information from Autodesk design and data management tools with broader PLM processes.
- Structured product development: Tracks milestones, tasks, responsibilities, and deliverables throughout new product introduction.
User testimonial:
“It is still missing some of the functionality that I get from a PLM or PDM system.” – User review
5. Onshape: Best for cloud-native CAD collaboration and built-in PDM
Onshape combines cloud-native CAD with built-in product data management. Engineering teams can design together in real time without managing local files, separate PDM software, or conflicting copies. Its database architecture records each design change and gives teams tools for version control, branching, merging, and release management.
Onshape also generates BOMs directly from assemblies, keeping component data connected to the design. Onshape can replace some BOM and design data workflows for teams focused on mechanical engineering.
Key features:
- Cloud-native CAD: Runs professional 3D design tools in a browser without local installations or manual software updates.
- Built-in PDM: Records every design edit and maintains a complete history without requiring engineers to check files in and out.
- Real-time collaboration: Lets multiple users work in the same design while sharing comments, tasks, and live updates.
- Branching and merging: Lets teams explore design alternatives in separate branches and merge approved changes into the main workspace.
User testimonial:
“We’ve noticed a few hiccups since it is cloud-based; we can definitely tell when it is update day, as the service slows down during that time. Like most other companies, Onshape is spending a lot of resources on AI, but I worry it is pulling them away from making the product better for general usage. AI is expensive.” – User review
6. Teamcenter: Best for enterprise PLM across complex global product lifecycles
Siemens Teamcenter is an enterprise PLM platform for managing product data and processes across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and service. It connects mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software data through a shared digital thread. Teamcenter supports complex product structures, global teams, and lifecycle processes beyond BOM management. Companies can deploy it on their own infrastructure or use Teamcenter X, Siemens’ SaaS version.
The platform’s breadth also increases implementation and administration requirements. Smaller teams may need more time, technical support, and process planning than they would with a lightweight BOM management tool.
Key features:
- Centralized product data management: Organizes CAD files, documents, specifications, requirements, and other product records within a controlled environment.
- Multidomain BOM management: Manages mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software structures across engineering, manufacturing, and service BOMs.
- Connected digital thread: Links requirements, designs, configurations, manufacturing information, and service records across the product lifecycle.
- Structured change management: Routes change requests and orders through defined impact analysis, review, approval, and implementation processes.
User testimonial:
“Some of the speed feels slow, and tracking development isn’t always smooth, but aside from that, I haven’t run into any major issues. It is easy to manage and test everything in one connected, transformed setup, and real-time support is available when needed.” – User review
7. Windchill: Best for enterprise product governance across complex manufacturing operations
PTC Windchill is an enterprise PLM platform that connects product data, processes, and teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and the supply chain. It supports complex product structures that include mechanical, electrical, and software components.
Companies can deploy Windchill on their own infrastructure, through PTC Cloud, or as the Windchill+ SaaS product. Its enterprise scope may require more implementation, administration, and training than smaller teams need.
Key features:
- Enterprise BOM management: Aligns engineering, manufacturing, service, and software BOMs while preserving relationships between product structures.
- Change and configuration management: Routes changes through controlled reviews and approvals while tracking variants, dependencies, and lifecycle states.
- Multi-CAD product data management: Centralizes design files, versions, and related product records across different CAD environments.
- Manufacturing process management: Converts engineering data into manufacturing BOMs, process plans, and reusable work instructions.
User testimonial:
“When it comes to PTC Windchill software, I often find myself frustrated by its steep learning curve and the user interface, which I consider to be far from intuitive. Additionally, I have encountered performance issues and noticed that a significant amount of administrative effort is needed to implement the software effectively.” – User testimonial
Choose the Best OpenBOM Alternative
The right OpenBOM alternative should match how your team manages design data, approves changes, works with suppliers, and releases products to manufacturing. OpenBOM provides accessible BOM management, but teams that need structured change control, deeper integrations, or more sourcing visibility may require a broader PLM platform.
Duro centralizes BOMs, part records, revisions, and product documents in a database-driven environment. Native CAD and ECAD integrations keep design data aligned, while built-in ECO workflows manage reviews, approvals, and audit trails. Live cost, availability, and lead-time data also give engineering and sourcing teams the information needed to make product decisions.
OpenBOM Review and Alternatives FAQs
What is the best software for BOM management?
The best BOM management software depends on your product complexity, existing tools, and change control requirements. Look for centralized part records, multi-level BOMs, revision control, CAD integrations, and supplier data that match your workflow.
Duro is designed for hardware teams that need BOM management alongside structured ECO approvals, sourcing information, and manufacturing integrations.
What is BOM software used for?
BOM software gives product teams a central place to manage the information required to design, source, and manufacture a product. Common uses include:
- Organizing product structures: Maps parts, quantities, assemblies, and subassemblies within single-level or multi-level BOMs.
- Maintaining part records: Stores part numbers, descriptions, drawings, specifications, costs, and approved supplier information.
- Tracking revisions: Preserves product versions and records how parts, documents, and assemblies change over time.
- Managing engineering changes: Routes proposed changes through review and approval workflows before updated designs reach manufacturing.
- Connecting teams: Gives engineering, sourcing, suppliers, and manufacturing access to the product data they need to do their work.
- Supporting purchasing and production: Provides quantities, costs, lead times, and sourcing details for procurement and manufacturing planning.
How much does OpenBOM cost?
OpenBOM pricing is based on paid editor seats and the number of product data records managed. Professional Team starts at $30 per seat per month with annual billing, while Company starts at $90 per seat per month. Enterprise pricing requires a custom quote.
OpenBOM includes up to 2,000 data records at no additional cost and provides unlimited free read-only users. Higher data volumes, CAD add-ins, and ERP integrations may add to the total price.